Local artists' work goes on display at Woodhorn

Posted by The Journal on Nov 20, 09 02:45 PM in News

Biblical canvases, marine-inspired cer-amic boats and a clothesline with a red bra pegged to it are all part of an exhibition that documents the journeys of five Northumberland artists.

Artistic group KEAP Creative have unveiled "Journey" - their attempt to develop art in Newbiggin by the Sea.

Eva Hartley with her installation Art Is Art Is Not at Woodhorn

Eva Hartley with her installation Art Is Art Is Not

It is part of an exhibition that will continue until January 10 next year at Woodhorn Museum in Ashington.

All five artists involved are based at a studio in the ancient Woodhorn church in Newbiggin.

One of the more unusual parts of the installation is Eva Hartley's "Art is Art is Not", an interpretation of what art represents.

Her 3-D exhibit is designed to be uplifting and includes a clothesline with a red bra, giraffe-measuring chart and a mirror attached.

Eva was only inspired to take up art three years ago.

She said: "It is an A-Z of what art means to me - each item means something.

"It is symbolic of how I grow and develop and how things change.

"There is a companion piece which is in black and white that represents what art isn't - it should not be boring or like business."

Keith Tait (pictured below) created canvases portraying bible stories - detailing how the genesis of the earth has been ruined by man's activity.

Artist Keith Tait He said: "We have had a really positive reaction to the exhibit.

"My pieces both have objects on them that represent the natural and manmade world - how we have changed the world."

He also has produced a series of dramatic 3ft portraits of his fellow artists.

Among other exhibits are a shoal of ceramic "Cobblefish" sculptures by Peter Seddon - featuring half of the traditional fishing boat and the tail of a fish.

He said: "People don't need to know a lot about art to understand the pieces."

Floral portraits by Pam Shears and ceramic works by Alan Vinters also feature in the exhibition.

Woodhorn Events and Exhibition Officer Liz Ritson said: "It is a pleasure to be able to celebrate some of the art that is produced right on our doorstep."

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